There is no shortage of exotic cuisines in India. Every single state in India has its own cuisine based on the geography, weather conditions, culture, and tradition of the particular state. The most notable dishes are those prepared in North, West, Coastal, and South regions of India. In case you visit the country for food, this guide will help you explore the best dishes available in each of the states.
Andhra Pradesh – Gongura Pachadi
Spicy cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is known for Gongura Pachadi – the famous dish of sour chutney made out of sorrel leaves. It is usually accompanied by rice and ghee and has an extraordinary taste.
Arunachal Pradesh – Thukpa
Thukpa is a popular dish of a noodle soup made with vegetables and meat. The dish was originally inspired by Tibetan cuisine and is widely available in the whole of the state.
Assam – Masor Tenga
This light and tangy dish made with tomatoes, lemons, or elephant apples, is one of Assam’s signatures. The dish goes well with Assam’s hot weather.
Bihar – Litti Chokha
It is one of Bihar’s most popular dishes. It includes roasted balls of wheat and spiced gram flour served with mashed potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes.
Chhattisgarh – Chila
Chila is a popular Indian pancake made out of a rice batter with various spices added into it. As the name implies, the dish is eaten as breakfast.
Goa – Goan Fish Curry
As you might assume, Goan Fish Curry is a coastal dish prepared with coconut milk and tamarind. It also includes fish that gives this dish its specific flavor.
Gujarat – Dhokla
This famous dish includes steamed cakes made of the mixture of rice batter and fermented gram flour. They have slightly acidic taste and can be eaten without any accompaniment.
Haryana – Bajra Khichdi
A dish made with pearl millet and lentils, is very popular in Haryana. It is usually prepared during colder periods.
Himachal Pradesh – Dham
Dham is a festive meal that comprises rice, lentils, curries made of yogurts, and other local dishes. Such meal requires traditional preparations.
Jharkhand – Dhuska
It is a deep-fried dish made from rice and lentils served with spicy potato curry. The latter gives this dish its specific flavor.
It is a typical comfort dish that includes lentils, rice, tamarind, and aromatic spices. It can be eaten with any side dish.
Karnataka – Bisi Bele Bath
Kerala – Appam and Stew
These two dishes complement each other perfectly. One of them is made out of soft pancakes, while the second one is a mild stew with vegetables or meat.
Madhya Pradesh – Poha
A typical Indian breakfast including flattened rice mixed with onion, mustard seeds, and turmeric.
Maharashtra – Vada Pav
Vada Pav is called Indian’s Burger. It includes fried potato mixed with spices and placed in the bread with chutneys.
Manipur – Eromba
It is a traditional dish of Manipur that involves fermented fish and mashed vegetables.
Meghalaya – Jadoh
This rice-based dish is prepared with meat and local spices and is very popular among members of the Khasi community.
Mizoram – Bai
Bai is a stew prepared out of vegetables, herbs, and meat. It perfectly reflects the simplicity of local cuisine.
Nagaland – Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot
Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot is an icon of Naga cuisine. It has rich smoky flavor because of the bamboo shoots.
Odisha – Dalma
It is a lentil and vegetable mixture made in a special way with mild spices. It is a traditional meal in the region.
Punjab – Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti
This combination is a traditional food of Punjab. It includes mustard greens prepared with spices and Makki di Roti made out of corn flour.
Rajasthan – Dal Baati Churma
One of the symbols of Rajasthani cuisine is this combination. The first component is baked wheat dumplings, while the second one is lentils.
Sikkim – Momos
Skyu is a traditional dish of steamed dumplings made out of vegetables or meat.
Tamil Nadu – Chettinad Chicken
As for Chettinad chicken, it is known all over India with its spicy aroma and special flavor. The dish can serve as a symbol of its region.
Telangana – Hyderabadi Biryani
Hyderabadi Biryani is a very famous Indian meal. It is made of fragrant rice and marinated meat and spices.
Tripura – Mui Borok
It is another regional dish that represents the state’s cuisine. This nutritious meal includes locally grown fish, vegetables, and herbs.
Uttar Pradesh – Tunday Kababi
One of the most notable dishes from Uttar Pradesh is a dish prepared in Lucknow that has melt-in-your-mouth texture and spices.
Uttarakhand – Kafuli
Kafuli is a traditional curry made of spinach and fenugreek. It has a special status in this state’s cuisine.
West Bengal – Macher Jhol
This light fish curry is the representation of West Bengal’s traditional cuisine. It has fish, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
Union Territories Worth Exploring
Delhi – Chole Bhature
Delhi is known for its famous dish made of spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried breads.
Jammu & Kashmir – Rogan Josh
It is one of the most famous lamb curries prepared in this area. It has deep rich flavors and spices.
Ladakh – Skyu
This traditional pasta-based stew is a comfort food for cold mountain climates.
Tips for Food Travelers in India
Seek regional specialties of local eateries;
Discover street food but be sure it meets your hygiene requirements;
Be respectful to the food culture of the region;
Eat seasonal dishes;
Enjoy spicy dishes with yogurt-based dishes or drinks.
Conclusion
Indian cuisine impresses with the richness of its varieties, flavors, and spices. Each Indian state has its own traditional cuisines that reflect its history, culture, and traditions. If you love traveling for food, then the trip across India will be truly unique and unforgettable experience for you.